Regarding the advanced HS diploma, I’d definitely support such a measure pretty much anywhere… When I was in high school, the availability of such a program probably would have encouraged me to stay in, rather than going for my GED because high school felt like a waste of time and energy.

I don’t think it will hurt them, but I – at this point anyway until we do more homework – don’t think it will be incrementally valuable.

Something relative newcomers to Dublin don’t usually know is that MANY of our graduates have gone to Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, Cal, Yale, and many other prestigious schools over the years. Of course, many have attended UC, CSU, NY State Universities (Regents level), and pretty much every notable higher education institution. They did it based on their work – AP courses, high GPA, community work, sports, and more that make them well rounded scholars. (Yes, I agree any Advanced Diploma should reflect a higher standard of work). They did it based on family values and cultures, teacher motivation, and self esteem where they built further success based on previous success. They did it at Dublin High for decades. Obviously, we want more and more students to develop the skills and knowledge to reach higher than before. Much more.

The recent increase in our graduation requirements is merely step one in getting more of our graduates at the UC or better level. The real work is continuing to put in place proven programs, well trained teachers, and intervention programs to catch kids from failing.

The reality is we have taken a few steps backward very recently. Because of the severe budget cuts, we have to slow down the impementation of the new grad requirements. If cuts go the way I expect, one key area will suffer – teacher professional development and collaboration. Something has to give and this is probably one key area of loss. Can you see that this will hurt our efforts to continue to improve learning?

Yes, Anonymous (Isn’t it really time you stand behind your well thought out statements with our knowing your name?)we should think outside California and I do. We do give smart students something to shoot for. The smart ones and their families know what it takes to get into great universities, and it isn’t a trophy diploma, its the learnings and student records that get them in. Despite that, when our stretched staff has time to work out the diploma question, I will analyze and help move forward with the best decision – even if that is a third diploma.

I will be back soon to ask for all your help in our battle over losing $6M over a three year period. And I don’t necessarily mean more money. Its time we told the state politicians what we want and when we want it. Dropping to
50th in nationwide spending levels isn’t the answer for California. We, the people, need to fix our government systems. Don’t you agree?

John Ledahl
LedahlJohn@Dublin.k12.ca.us

I watched the meeting and had to laugh when Jennifer Henry claimed that as a hiring manager it would make no difference in her decision? I doubt she hires much and who would even want to work for her anyway?

For those of you who do hire people how would you decide between two otherwise equal candidates? Would the one who earned an Advanced Diploma stick out above the other? I have to believe so.

UC colleges don’t recognize this, Mr. Ledahl? Can’t you think beyond California schools? Besides, don’t UC school look for the classes that should be required for this Advanced Diploma? So, why not give them something to aim for? Do you really think it is better to fool them with the very distinctive “C’s or better” Diploma? What will you tell all these distinctive graduates when they get turned down from every college but Las Positas?

Budget issues getting the way? Well this certainly is a concern. But come on. Anyone with even a cassual understanding of high school and college admissions should be able to tackle this one in about 15 minutes.

Well, whenever the Board decides to give smart students something to shoot for that will actually get them into college count on my vote FOR an Advanced Diploma.